There are two major research directions in my laboratory. One is ethanol neurotoxicity, in which we investigate the mechanism(s) for ethanol-induced damage to the developing central nervous system and consequent behavioral deficits targeting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). The other one is carcinogenesis induced by environmental factors, such as arsenic and chromium.
FASD and the cancers caused by environmental factors are severe public health problems. The ultimate goal for our research is to find strategies for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Our overall approach is to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the diseases and identify the responsible targets (genes, proteins or signaling pathways) using pharmacological or genetic manipulation methods in cell culture and animal models.